Letters To The Editor

Schools and education

Religion is history and relevant

Re:“Educating requires moralizing and civilizing” (editorials, Aug. 20)

Ideally, home and church may be better venues, as one of the editorialists expressed. But she should have added when and if available. A significant number of children rarely see the inside of a church, nor do they have the quality time with parents in this busy world of working parents, fast food meals, video and TV. Grandparents, aunts, uncles and other auxiliary family members frequently live elsewhere or are on their own treadmill, so they offer limited influence and wisdom.

Other than in small towns, the community has often become a strip mall with no nearby central citizen area.

School is the institution that can provide the framework and setting to teach about those historical events, beliefs and ideas through which civilization has evolved.

The Ten Commandments are only part of this historical background. This is history and not religious doctrine. It would be hard to believe that historical censorship in the guise of separation of church and state is what the writers of the Constitution intended.

Parents and schools must work together to give children objective information so they will have more understanding and knowledge based on the lessons of history. Morality and civility will then have greater meaning to them. Elita M. Jones Spokane

Evolution is about excluding God

Dave Thiessen’s mocking letter (Aug. 21) about the Kansas Board of Education’s decision to excise evolution theory neglects a few points. He thinks the decision to reduce the prominence of Darwinism is tantamount to believing in a flat Earth, returning to a geocentric solar system and rejecting the law of gravity.

It’s not like the round Earth theory was championed by a devout Christian seeking not only trade routes but also missionary routes to Asia, like Columbus, and the champions of the heliocentric solar system weren’t Christians who opposed the Church borrowing the ancient Greek Ptolomaic system. Copernicus and Gallileo surely didn’t think that a rational, perfect God would create the solar system along rational, mathematically perfect lines. And it’s not like some Anglican priest named Newton set out the laws of gravity and motion.

To mention a few Thiessen doesn’t: I don’t think his Judaism influenced Einstein’s theory of relativity and the study of genetics had nothing to do with some monk named Mendel growing peas, either.

Why, in Christian cultures, are people who study the stars called astronomers while people in non-Christian cultures are astrologers? The fact is, many of the greatest scientists in every field, including biology, have been motivated by their belief in a transcendent, rational creator. You can still excel in science without accepting Darwinism. The theory of evolution is not about empirical evidence; it’s about building a world view that excludes God and any moral standard he might require of humankind. Michael J. Liljenberg Spokane

That’s not how home schooling is

The editorial cartoon on Aug. 21 seemed to imply that home-schooling parents are paranoid and that home-schooled children are lonely.

Home schooling has been around far longer than school shootings have been a problem, so it is unfair to characterize home schooling as a reaction to recent events. Of course, violence always makes us sad, in school or not. People have been shot in workplaces, too, but no one accuses people who work at home of being paranoid. My guess is that people who work at home do it because they like the advantages it offers them. That is also how it is with home schooling. There are advantages and disadvantages but it is a wonderful option for those who choose it.

Are home-schooled children lonely? Studies have shown home-schooled children are actually better socialized than their peers who are not home schooled. Most have brothers or sisters to interact with, as well as other friends, both young and old. Ironically, they probably have more time to socialize and have fun than children who spend many hours in school per day, sitting behind a desk.

It is too bad that the cartoonist chose to portray home schooling in a negative light when it can be a very rewarding experience. Jean M. Hoerner Spokane

Firearms

Armed population isn’t the answer

Re: Paul A. Classen’s Aug. 19 letter, “Anti-gun false prophets are dangerous.”

I take issue with his conclusions. I agree that we have the right to bear arms but question the wisdom of doing so except for hunting or under special circumstances.

Having worn a gun on my hip for much of World War II, I have some knowledge of firearms.

The .45 was used to blast the enemy charging with bayonets. It has a violent recoil and is reasonably accurate only in the hands of an expert. Modern weapons are easier to handle but just as deadly. Gun advocates usually stress gun education. But the problem is that there is no way to teach civilians to stay cool under fire or the threat of fire. The most likely victims of panicky homeowners are family members or friends.

Classen is right about the response time of officers. Police are spread too thin. We need more officers, prosecutors and judges. We need to free policemen from complicated restrictions, technical second-guessing and threats of unwarranted litigation.

His conclusion that we “get one (a firearm), learn to use it effectively and carry it” is dangerously naive. In today’s climate, such a course would destroy our representative democracy and lead to anarchy and despotism.

It is my opinion, as a graduate of Gonzaga Law School and a member of the Spokane County Bar since 1940, that for now our best course is to get to know all of our neighbors, unobtrusively look out for them, to pay the taxes needed and … relax. Paul A. Clausen Spokane

Gun owners part of the problem

When it comes to letters to the editor, I am so tired of reading those gun fanatics’ messages. No wonder this area has such a tainted reputation.

From the outside looking in, people probably think nothing but Bonnie and Clyde types roam the byways of Spokane. Instead, there are many people like Angela Mitchell McMullin, whose letter (Aug. 16) started this latest barrage from the gun owners.

With all of the shootings and murders of men, women and innocent children that go on daily, gun owners should take a look at themselves. They are part of the problem, not the solution. Anita Stallinga Spokane

Government and politics

Just can’t tear himself away

Rep. George Nethercutt, bursting with altruism and zealous to serve humanity, again throws himself upon the sacrificial altar of national politics. Undaunted by loathing for both limelight and self-aggrandizement, he will bear the burden of public service for another term. Thus inspired, he can ill afford to honor a sacred pledge however solemnly made. The sterling tradition of Warren Harding (Teapot Dome), Richard Nixon (Watergate), and Ronald Reagan (Iran-Contra) must be upheld, whatever the cost. Isn’t that what lip service is all about?

Nethercutt would apparently have admiring constituents know that, despite appearances to the contrary, he is not among the 99 percent of congressmen who give the rest a bad name and he deserves having “honorable” appended to his worthy moniker.

Get thee behind me, Nethercutt! Gilbert C. Estes Mountain Home, Idaho

A decent, older man will do nicely

On this not too auspicious occasion of my 55th birthday, I would like to see the next president of the United States be a man of at least 58 years of age, with no history of venereal disease or illegal drug use. Whether he’s a Democrat or Republican is irrelevant. I am tired of these Yankee Doodle dandies. At this stage of the game, I wouldn’t even mind seeing Tom Foley run for president. I’ve grown to like the old dodger. Wesley A. Storer Spokane

Washington state

Reckless driver at wheel of WSP

I’m a retired Washington State Patrol employee who still mingles with active WSP employees. From what I hear, morale in the patrol is extremely low.

When Chief Annette Sandberg was first appointed, most everyone was enthusiastic and willing to give her a chance. With her being the ex-union vice president, everyone thought she would be sensitive to employee needs. But what happened?

She has made threats and is constantly butting heads with the unions. There were problems with promotions on two different sergeant lists. According to your article (Aug. 22), she has incurred the wrath of several legislators. She is a very heavy-handed disciplinarian.

When I was working, it was common knowledge that she was autocratic and vindictive.

Locally, people have written and asked for a formal investigation into the conduct of the detective in charge with regard to the allegations of license fraud against retired trooper Pete Powell. WSP claims it has investigated these complaints but none of the complainants have been interviewed, as is required in all citizen complaints.

Now, we have Tailhook-like allegations of sexual misconduct at an official function, the Women’s Mentoring Conference. What in the world is happening? You didn’t hear about things like this six years ago. I guess it was time for me to retire! K.R. Lofquist Spokane

Cartoon just so much bashing

While an editorial cartoonist can legitimately claim the mission of helping to hold public and private societal entities accountable for their actions, the other side of that coin is a duty to engage in responsible commentary. Priggee’s Aug. 19 cartoon fails that test completely.

I’m not sure whether Dayna Christoph was “abused by our system,” as Priggee claims. I do know that countless children have been, and are being, safeguarded by Child Protective Services very effectively, and are thereby being given a chance at the sort of life we all want for our children.

Furthermore, I am personally acquainted with several of the dedicated, competent, hard-working and compassionate CPS workers Priggee wants, quite literally, to demonize. This broadside displays a failure to even attempt to analyze Christoph’s situation. It attacks indiscriminately an entire group of people who take considerable personal risk in their normally very effective efforts to protect children from ineffective or malevolent adult care givers. Who is to protect them from irresponsible journalism?

The Spokesman-Review and Priggee owe those children, all CPS workers and the public a front page apology. Kerry C. Kirking Spokane

Leave campsites to the bears

Re: “Condemned bear makes itself scarce” (Aug. 17) So, we’re loading up our shotguns in order to dispose of a bear that has been messing with our campsites in Olympic National Park.

With the population of American people around 300 million, perhaps we might consider it OK if a couple of bears could live out their lives naturally in their own territory. I suspect that they and their ancestors were there first. Aren’t we the intruders? Kathleen B. Donaldson Spokane

Other topics

`The Basket’ fine film with local tie

The Aug. 18 Spokane premiere of “The Basket” was one of the most memorable and heartwarming movies I have seen in years. Families yearning for something one could take the whole family to should make this film a priority. The music was sensational. The casting was perfect and the writing and directing were something Disney would be envious of.

In rare style, the film draws you into the human conflict of the tearing emotions of having to pick up the remains of lives torn by the losses of war. Yet, it shows how each small gesture plays into the fabric of this small community, the ideas of one teacher, the music and story of an opera, and a game of high-stakes basketball comes to a triumphal climax that leaves seeds of hope and a moral that we all so desperately need to remember.

Filmed locally and with contributions from Spokane, this is something we need to celebrate together. Spread the word, take your neighbors and friends. Mary Pollard Greenacres

Smoke the least of air problems

This week’s issue of The Whitman County Gazette lists eight obituaries. One sees the ages of the deceased to be 92, 95, 87, 89, 93, 79, 89, 85. These people lived the first 50 or so years during a time when practically all stubble was burned. No percentages in those days. It’s difficult to believe they could have survived so evil a thing as stubble smoke.

The thought that they got most of those years in before the days of heavy vehicular traffic and the ensuing emissions might be something to ponder. Believe me, Spokane, the farmers would be pretty hard put to supply all the pollution you claim. Cindy J. Wigen La Crosse, Wash.

S-R Leninists labeled `moderate’

I heard your newspaper’s name mentioned on TV the other day. It was referred to as The “moderate” Spokesman Review.

When a so-called moderate newspaper such as yours is pro gun control, anti God, pro abortion, cheers the homosexual parade, tells any lie necessary to promote its Leninist-leftist agenda and does it all to cover the crimes of the Clinton administration, what would you moderates describe as a liberal newspaper?

Could it be that there is no such thing as a liberal, only sensible moderates in close combat, fighting for the people, against the radical right? Robert A. Bolske Spokane

Railroad helpful to Havre

I am a retired Great Northern-Burlington Northern Railroad employee, having served for 42 years. I would like to explain why we in Havre, Mont., value our relationship with what is now Burlington Northern Santa Fe.

I served two terms on the Havre City Council and during that time, we were able to obtain steam engine No. 2584 as a permanent display.

BN has been very supportive of our community projects. In 1989, we dedicated a fountain and statue of James Hill, the builder of the Great Northern Railway. The statue is located in front of the railway station in Havre and is the only life-size statue of Hill. The railroad maintains this statue and fountain.

Also in 1989, BN acquired a three-car excursion train for our statehood centennial festivities.

We have acquired a building in downtown Havre that is occupied by our new Havre Railroad Museum. BN has provided a pushcart, an old block signal that works as well as a cash donation for the installation of new front windows. We have a working HO gauge railroad now operating.

We very much appreciate the support that BN has shown us throughout the years. Frank P. DeRosa Havre, Mont.